
Rio Tinto’s Diavik diamond mine moves into commercial production underground
2025-02-08
Phase 1 of the A21 underground project is slated to produce an extra 1.4 million carats. Phase 2 is expected to add another 800,000 carats and was approved earlier this year with an additional investment of $17 million.
The construction of the A21 underground mine involved the development of over 1,800 metres of underground tunnels to access the orebody and begin underground production.Safety underground mine cap lamps will be a must.
Rio said there were no lost time injuries after more than 100,000 labour hours completed over 20 months during the development and construction work.
“The A21 underground operation is positive news for our employees, partners, suppliers and local communities in the Northwest Territories, as it will enable operations to continue through to closure,” Diavik mine chief operating officer of Matt Breen said in the statement.
“Rio Tinto’s decision to proceed with Phase 2 is a testament to the excellent performance of our Diavik team in successfully developing the underground mine beneath the previously mined A21 open pit,” Breen said.
He added that the company is continuing its investment in preparing for the closure and remediation of Diavik mine site, focusing on progressive reclamation activities such as earthworks, site clean-up, and equipment procurement.
Diavik represents one of Canada’s largest diamond mines in terms of volume of rough diamonds, having produced over 144 million carats of rough diamonds since mining began in 2003.
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Heliostar plans for January restart of La Colorada mine in Mexico
2025-02-08
La Colorada is currently producing gold through residual leaching after its previous operator stopped mining in late 2023, when it failed to complete the pre-strip project to expand the existing Creston Pit. Since acquiring the mine last month, Heliostar has been evaluating a potential restart using previously stockpiled material.
The restart plan revolves around the Junkyard Stockpile, a historic waste rock storage facility named after mining equipment stored on the site. The stockpile is located approximately 800 metres southwest of the La Colorada crushing circuit, and contains material and used mining lamps that was mined from the Gran Central Pit in the mid to late 1990s.
Earlier this year, the company initiated an evaluation of the Junkyard Stockpile, consisting of drilling, resource modeling and metallurgical testing. The results of this program, along mineral expansion drilling at the Creston Pit, are to be incorporated in a technical report due in January.
The planned restart would initially augment and then replace the current gold production from residual leaching at the mine, said Heliostar.
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PM commends specialist for rescuing 41 workers
2025-01-08
An emergency expert has been internationally applauded after freeing dozens of trapped underground employees.
Arnold Dix earned a prime ministerial commendation for rescuing 41 stranded workers from the collapsed Char Dam tunnel.
The Monbulk underground expert with mining headlamps played a key role in drilling 260 metres through obstructing debris and pushing large pipes through for evacuation. The process took six days party due to damaged bearings, which had to be fabricated before work could continue.
“We cannot go fast and risk a second disaster. This situation is extremely dangerous and we must be extremely careful,” he said according to Reuters.
Anthony Albanese congratulated Dix on ensuring everyone exited the structure without any known injuries or deaths.
“A wonderful achievement by Indian authorities. Proud that Australian professor Arnold Dix played a role on the ground,” the PM said on Twitter.
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IMARC 2024 – Innovation and Collaboration
2025-01-08
IMARC 2024– Advancing Mining Innovation & Sustainability. IMARC is once again set to bring the global mining community together in Sydney from October 29-31 at ICC Sydney. As the largest event of its kind in Australia, IMARC remains a must-attend for C-level executives, procurement professionals, site managers, and technical specialists keen to engage with the latest industry trends and solutions.
This year’s event is expected to host over 600 speakers and draw more than 9,000 delegates, reflecting its growing status as a key event for the sector. Spanning an expansive 20,000m², the exhibition will showcase groundbreaking mining technologies, equipment, mining lamps and innovations, along with a packed program of keynotes, panel discussions, and live demonstrations, all aligned with the sector’s most pressing topics.
Drawing participants from over 120 countries, IMARC emphasizes innovation and sustainability, featuring partnerships with global entities like the European Union and the World Economic Forum. As Australia’s peak body for resources professionals, AusIMM is proud to support IMARC. AusIMM CEO Stephen Durkin underscored the significance of having more than 130 AusIMM members actively shaping conversations around innovative technologies, ESG best practices, and mining’s role in the global energy transition.
Sydney’s return as host for the third consecutive year underscores IMARC’s status as the city’s largest professional event in 2024. Lyn Lewis-Smith, CEO of Business Events Sydney, pointed out that IMARC not only stimulates essential discussions around ESG and circularity but also reflects Australia’s broader economic transition. The event is projected to generate $17.8 million in direct economic impact for New South Wales, while also driving collaboration, innovation, and new investment in the industry.
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Top 10: Global Mining Events
2024-12-10
The top mining expos, conventions and trade shows include Mining Indaba, PDAC, IMARC, CIM Convention, Exponor, Mines and Money & MINExpo International
10 Mining Show
Where: Dubai
When: 26-27 November, 2024
The Mining Show is an annual event that takes place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is the largest mining event in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and attracts a wide range of attendees.
09 Mining Investment Asia
Where: Singapore
When: 21-22 May, 2025
Mining Investment Asia is a strategic mining conference and exhibition for the leaders of the mining, quarrying and construction materials industries, held annually in Singapore. The event connects mining companies, equipment and services providers, government, and investors from around the world, providing a platform to discuss industry trends, innovations and opportunities. The event is typically focused on the mining industry in the Asia-Pacific region.
8: The China Mining Congress & Expo
Where: Tianjin
When: October 15-18, 2024
The China Mining Congress & Expo is an annual event held in Tianjin, China, which focuses on the latest developments and investment opportunities in the Chinese mining industry. The event is organised by the China Mining Association and the Tianjin Municipal People's Government and is one of Asia's most important mining conferences.
7: MINExpo INTERNATIONAL
Where: Las Vegas
When: September 24-26
MINExpo INTERNATIONAL is the world's largest mining equipment, products and services exhibition. It is held every four years in Las Vegas, USA. The event is organised by the National Mining Association (NMA) and aims to showcase the latest technology and developments in the mining industry.
6: Mines and Money
Where: London
When: December 3-5, 2024
Mines and Money is a global mining investment conference series that brings together mining companies, investors, financial institutions, and industry experts to discuss the latest trends and opportunities in the mining sector. The events are held in various locations around the world including London, Hong Kong, Toronto, and other mining hubs.
5: Exponor
Where: Chile
When: TBA
Exponor is one of the most important mining fairs in Latin America, is held biennally in Antofagasta, Chile. The most recent event took place in June.
4: CIM Convention
Where: Montreal, Canada
When: May 4-7, 2025
The Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) Convention is an annual event held in Canada. It is organised by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) and brings together mining professionals to discuss industry developments and innovations.
3: IMARC
Where: Sydney, Australia
When: October 29–31
IMARC, the International Mining and Resources Conference, is an annual event held in Melbourne, Australia. The conference brings together mining leaders, policymakers, investors and experts to discuss the industry's future. The conference has a strong focus on innovation and technology and provides an opportunity for attendees to learn about the latest developments in automation, digitalisation, and artificial intelligence in mining, as well as sustainable mining practices. IMARC also provides an ideal platform for companies to present their projects to a global audience of investors and to establish new business relationships.
2: PDAC
Where: Toronto, Canada
When: March 2–5, 2025
The Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) International Convention, Trade Show & Investors Exchange is the world's leading convention for people, companies and organisations in, or connected with, mineral exploration. It is held annually in Toronto, Canada and organised by the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC). The event brings together mining companies, investors, financial institutions, and industry experts to discuss the latest trends and opportunities in the mining sector.
1: Mining Indaba
Where: Cape Town, South Africa
When: February 3-6, 2025
Mining Indaba is an annual conference and exhibition held in Cape Town, South Africa, it is the largest mining investment conference in Africa. The event is organised by Hyve Group Plc and brings together mining companies, investors, government officials, and industry experts to discuss the latest trends and opportunities in the African mining sector. The theme for this year's event is Unlocking African Mining Investment: Stability, Security and Supply.
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